Trek 1.1 or Giant Defy 5? - Decision made!

G

Glaikit

Member
Looking at getting back into a bit of proper cycling again and am looking for an entry level road bike. Was originally looking at a hybrid (Trek Dual Sport or similar) but my local friendly bike specialist reckons I should go for a road since I have a cheap mountain bike already and only do a small amount of off road while walking the dog. So what are the bike gurus thoughts on these two models.

Edging toward the Giant since it has Triple gearing and would be easier on the steeper stuff I would have thought? Any opinions on what to go for?

Thanks all :thumbsup:
 
I don't know about the Giant but bought a nearly new Trek 1.1 a couple of months ago.

I love it. I know it's at the entry level but it is fast and light. I cycled 260 miles on it last month, including the London to Cambridge and find myself looking forward to the next journey. Downsides? I suspect it came with cheap tyres and tubes as I've had three punctures but that aside I'd certainly recommend it. Having said that, I'm sure the Giant is a great bike, too!
 
Can't help you on both bikes. But I'm also planning on buying a new road race bike, my mtb (Trek 8000) doesn't see any off roading lol so I thought it'd be nice to switch to a nice road bike :) Got a soft spot for Italian bikes, like Bianchi and Wilier:)

Btw. cycling must be really popular now in the UK, since all the recent cycling succes?
 
Try out both, a good bike shop will let you have a test ride and give you some proper guidance on getting the bike setup correctly for you, this makes a huge difference in comfort and your performance on longer rides. I'd go for a compact double chainset rather than a triple, you can always change the rear cassette if you need lower gearing for the steeper hills.

I have a Trek Madone 5.2 2008 model, which has been upgraded over the years, the frame and forks are actually the only thing remaining from the original bike.

The Specialized Allez is another option, the sport model gets a 4.5 / 5 review from the very demanding Bike Radar team.

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-specialized-allez-sport-compact-12-46357

2013 bikes will start to be pushed out in the coming months by the main manufacturers, which means 2012 models will be become available at discounted prices.
 
Cant help on the quandary other than to second having a decent trial on them both.

I've a 2009 Land Rover mountain bike and recently dusted it off and did my first bit of road work - 31 miles. Surprisingly enjoyable so I've signed up for a 55 mile Macride in Stratford in September. I rode with a friend who had a hybrid and he reckons the difference in effort between the two bikes would be huge. Having grown up riding bikes without a helmet I really struggled with the concept and comfort. Do they really make a difference or are they just another thing to pick out your skull once they've lifted you out of the ditch?

What sort of miles / frequency will you be doing?
 
Putter Whore said:
I rode with a friend who had a hybrid and he reckons the difference in effort between the two bikes would be huge.
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Bike weight and the rolling resistance of the tyres makes a big difference if you're just riding on the tarmac. Bike weight becomes a lot more noticeable when you're on the hills. I swapped SWMBO's mountain bike for a commuter/hybrid a couple of years ago and now she's much happier going up the Surrey hills.

Putter Whore said:
Having grown up riding bikes without a helmet I really struggled with the concept and comfort. Do they really make a difference or are they just another thing to pick out your skull once they've lifted you out of the ditch?
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I wouldn't even think of going out without wearing a helmet, they are very light and comfortable these days.
 
Like others have said, test both. The trek always does well in tests, I've never really looked at the Giant so can't give an opinion on it.

The boardman bikes from halfords usually get great reviews at this price point as components are usually a cut above the big brands. You may prefer to give the business to your local independent bike shop though. And I'm sure the service and fitting will be better.

As someone else said, don't bother with the triple chainset, they just aren't required on a road bike. I live in a very hilly and windy area and never wish I had a triple on either of my road bikes.
 
This is why love this forum, thanks for all the advice and comments guys :thumbsup:

I'm mainly done this to increase fitness, reached the second half of my thirties and am starting to feel it. Three walks with the dog a day isn't enough anymore :roll: aiming to build myself to up to 30 To 40 mile runs during the weekends and maybe 10 miles once or twice a week. Long way from that!

Will certainly do the test thing as my local bike shop said straight away that he'll give me a couple to try before I buy. Love the local service.

Jackers - took a look at the Trek today and it looked spot on. Also saw the Specialized Secteur which means I now have three in the mix to consider :? Will have to take a look at the Allez now as well, based in your recommendation z4-35i :wink:

Also won't worry about the triple so thanks for that.

Did consider the Boardman but Halfords is putting me off a wee bit and would like to support my local guy. Wife works in a local jewellers and I always like to give business to the local business even if slightly more expensive. Service is generally better as well as you say Mowflow.

As for a helmet well I ALWAYS wear one. A head injury is the last thing you want...Okay I admit there is a debate about this but I prefer to be safe than sorry.

Due to the switch over in models by manufacturers - very clever as it is mid summer- it might be a while before I get one but will keep you all posted

Thanks again all!
 
Also once you know your frame size for a particular model, then keep an eye on ebay and the classifieds, as you often get good quality bikes being sold on that have hardly been used.
 
How about Cube, Focus or Merida? Believe they are a lot of bike for the Money. Merida is one of the big frame manufacturers next to Giant, read somewhere Merida produces the frames for Specialized.
 
There are so many manufacturers out there with none really being what you would call bad (as long as it's not some death trap for £60 from a super market). if you have a budget in mind you could compare an offering from every manufacturer and end up never being able to decide. Just pick the bike you like from your local bike store as he seems helpful and will be a great help as your cycling develops.

With regards to the helmet. It's personal choice. I always wear one as with the right conditions I can hold 30mph on the flat and 40mph+ when brave enough on hills. If I come off it might not save my life but at least it gives me a fighting chance.

The only other piece of essential kit you will need is a pair of sideburns :rofl:
 
JVE89 said:
How about Cube, Focus or Merida? Believe they are a lot of bike for the Money. Merida is one of the big frame manufacturers next to Giant, read somewhere Merida produces the frames for Specialized.
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Awww noooo don't confuse me any more! Will go with the good advice from Mowflow and buy local. Already have burns sprouting in perpetration :D
 
Thanks again for the advice guys. Went for the Giant Defy 5 in the end as my LBS had it in stock and after a test ride I was hooked :thumbsup:

Only two runs since I picked it up yesterday - 5 miles straight from the shop then 8 miles this morning. So far so good, just wish I had legs like the mighty side burned one! :rofl:

Pic:

02083cb9.jpg


Very gently laid against my other toy :wink:
 
Enjoy. Just a personal preference, but you may want to take the wheel reflectors off.
 
I'm glad others were able to assist in this. Mountain-bikes I know I lot about. Road bikes are still foreign to me :lol:
 
Nice! Neither would have been bad but that does look nice. I really like the thin top tube profile.
 
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